IIO investigating after youth seriously injured at Cranbrook school
Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook. A youth suffered serious injuries during an incident at the school on Sept. 16 that is now under investigation by B.C.’s police watchdog.
Photo: School District 5
British Columbia’s police watchdog is investigating after a youth suffered serious injuries during an incident at Mount Baker Secondary School in Cranbrook on Sept. 16.
Cranbrook RCMP said officers were called at about 7:51 a.m. to a residence near 4th Street North and 18th Avenue North for a report of an assault and threats involving a weapon.
Police were told a male youth had threatened people at the residence with a knife before leaving on foot.
Officers located the youth on the roof of Mount Baker Secondary shortly after 8 a.m. Police contained the area while attempting to communicate with him, and the school was evacuated.
School District 5 said students and staff were moved to Laurie Middle School and classes at Mount Baker Secondary were cancelled for the day.
At about 10:07 a.m., the youth came off the roof and suffered serious injuries. First responders provided medical assistance before he was taken to hospital.
RCMP said no one else was injured.
The Independent Investigations Office of B.C. was notified and opened a serious-harm investigation.
The IIO said its investigation will examine what occurred and whether there is a connection between the serious harm and officer action or inaction.
School District 5 described the youth the following day as a student in crisis who was being cared for by hospital staff and his family. The district also brought in additional counselling and mental-health supports for students and staff.
The IIO case, numbered 2026-230, remained listed as open and under investigation as of Sept. 21.
RCMP said it would not release further information while the independent investigation is underway.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is being asked to contact the IIO at 1-855-446-8477 or through its online contact form.
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